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What Causes Heaviness And Numbness In Leg After Walking?
Posted on
Tue, 5 Aug 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 5 Aug 2014
Answered on
Tue, 2 Sep 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I feel heaviness and numbness of the leg after about 10 minutes walk. However, if I seat even for less than a minute I recover from the condition and can walk normal again for another 10 mins or more.
Brief Answer:
may be intermittent claudication
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that the symptoms are related to intermittent claudication.
Intermittent claudication refers to muscle discomfort (pain, numbness, heaviness) that occurs in the legs due a decrease in blood supply the area.
The pain normally starts on walking and then stops when the person rests for a bit. This is because when the limbs are doing work (walking or jogging), they need more blood, if there is any blockage they cannot get the blood that they need and the discomfort then starts.
In severe cases, the person can have pain on resting as well.
This can be confirmed by physical examination by your doctor and also by certain tests that can check the circulation in the limbs.
It is treated by controlling risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, increased weight.
There is also medication that can be used if this diagnosis is confirmed.
Summary: (1) may be intermittent claudication which means discomfort due to decreased blood supply to the leg
(2)diagnosed by physical examination and tests
(3)treat risk factors, medication can also be used
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may be intermittent claudication
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that the symptoms are related to intermittent claudication.
Intermittent claudication refers to muscle discomfort (pain, numbness, heaviness) that occurs in the legs due a decrease in blood supply the area.
The pain normally starts on walking and then stops when the person rests for a bit. This is because when the limbs are doing work (walking or jogging), they need more blood, if there is any blockage they cannot get the blood that they need and the discomfort then starts.
In severe cases, the person can have pain on resting as well.
This can be confirmed by physical examination by your doctor and also by certain tests that can check the circulation in the limbs.
It is treated by controlling risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, increased weight.
There is also medication that can be used if this diagnosis is confirmed.
Summary: (1) may be intermittent claudication which means discomfort due to decreased blood supply to the leg
(2)diagnosed by physical examination and tests
(3)treat risk factors, medication can also be used
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My blood pressure is within acceptable limit and I don't smoke. I have not checked my cholesterol level, but I weigh 100 kg. My sugar intake was a little high but when I checked the level it was 4.3 and since then I eat mostly low GI foods.
What medication do you suggest Sir?
What medication do you suggest Sir?
Brief Answer:
needs to be assessed by your doctor
Detailed Answer:
HI
One of the main medications used is aspirin because it helps to reduce clotting.
There are also medications specific for peripheral vascular disease (blockages in blood vessels in the limbs). Examples are cilostazol. This is highly effective in many persons. It would require a prescription from your doctor
It is important to remember ,however, then this may or may not be the cause of your symptoms. The only way to determine if it is the cause is history, physical examination by your doctor and any investigations that your doctor thinks is needed.
He or she would need to check the pulse behind your knee, at your ankle and in the foot.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
needs to be assessed by your doctor
Detailed Answer:
HI
One of the main medications used is aspirin because it helps to reduce clotting.
There are also medications specific for peripheral vascular disease (blockages in blood vessels in the limbs). Examples are cilostazol. This is highly effective in many persons. It would require a prescription from your doctor
It is important to remember ,however, then this may or may not be the cause of your symptoms. The only way to determine if it is the cause is history, physical examination by your doctor and any investigations that your doctor thinks is needed.
He or she would need to check the pulse behind your knee, at your ankle and in the foot.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor Michele and all other Doctors that were involved in the peer review. I have made an appointment with my Doctor for Tomorrow based on your expert advice.
With cordial regards.
D.K. GARBA
With cordial regards.
D.K. GARBA
Brief Answer:
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
wish you the best
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
wish you the best
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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